Tjekke

Tjekke is a Danish verb meaning to check, examine, verify, or test. It is widely used in everyday speech and in professional contexts, covering activities from inspecting a document or system to confirming information or schedules. The verb is highly productive and appears in numerous compounds and collocations, such as checking data, checking emails, or checking a calendar.

Etymology and usage context: Tjekke is a loanword from English check, integrated into Danish during the 20th century as technical and managerial terminology spread. Since its introduction, it has become a standard part of colloquial and written Danish. It can take a direct object (tjekke noget) and combines freely with prepositions to form common phrases.

Common expressions and compounds: tjekliste means checklist; to tjekke op på noget means to check up on something; tjekke ud and tjekke ind refer to checking out and checking in, often used in hotels or travel contexts. The phrase have tjek på noget conveys having control or a good understanding of something. The past participle is tjekket, used in forms like “Jeg har tjekket det.”

Register and alternatives: Tjekke is generally appropriate in informal to semi-formal contexts, including business and technology. In very formal writing, more traditional verbs such as kontrollere or undersøge may be preferred, but tjekke remains common across registers due to its clarity and versatility.

Overall, tjekke is a core Danish verb for verification and inspection, embedded in a wide range of everyday and professional expressions.